A wierd however more and more widespread kerfuffle erupted on X over the weekend, when a report emerged that 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk “has formally requested a commerce from the 49ers, per affirmation from my San Francisco supply.”
Aiyuk’s agent, Ryan Williams, responded to the declare with this: “You want higher sources.”
Williams is correct. Aiyuk has not “formally requested a commerce.” He doesn’t must.
With Aiyuk unfollowing the 49ers on social media, any staff that has any curiosity in Aiyuk has motive to name the 49ers.
A number of weeks in the past, such calls had been met (we’re informed) with a response that Aiyuk isn’t obtainable. At this level, with the draft 10 days in the past and the state of affairs nonetheless unresolved, why not make the decision once more?
There’s additionally motive to imagine that, regardless that Aiyuk hasn’t requested a commerce, conversations is likely to be taking place to find out whether or not different staff(s) are inquisitive about making a deal — with the information and approval of the 49ers.
That might be helpful to the 49ers. It may give each side helpful info as to what his market is likely to be.
The most important problem for the 49ers and Aiyuk will probably be setting his quantity. He presumably (and justifiably) will need the identical deal the 49ers gave to receiver Deebo Samuel, at a minimal.
It is sensible for the 49ers to determine this out now. Pay Aiyuk or commerce him to somebody who will, and get 2024 draft-pick compensation for him.
Buying and selling him would fly within the face of your entire goal of the draft/growth mannequin. Groups choose gamers with the hope that they’ll grow to be key members of the staff. Aiyuk has; he was a second-team All-Professional in 2023. Why commerce him?
The perfect-case state of affairs is that they’d flip Aiyuk for a rookie who finally ends up being fairly good, too. After which they’ll should pay him, or commerce him and do it once more.
If the draft is a lottery and every participant is a lottery ticket, Aiyuk was a winner. The distinction for the NFL is that the jackpot then will get paid by the holder of the ticket. It’s time for the 49ers, or another person, to provide Aiyuk his jackpot.
